LeBlanc Opens Season With U SPORTS Qualification

(SAINT JOHN, NB) The 2019-2020 track and field season began on an exciting note for the UNB Reds.

Victoria LeBlanc qualified for the U SPORTS Championships in the season's opening meet, covering 12.04 metres in the women's triple jump at the Red & Black Open, at the new Irving Oil Field House, in Saint John, last weekend.

The U SPORTS qualifying standard is 11.89 metres.

"It's hard to hit the U SPORTS auto standard, which is an average of the third place jumps over the last three championships," said Reds head coach Chris Belof. "To hit the standard and qualify this early is even more special."

LeBlanc's leap of 12.04 metres also established a new UNB record and was a personal best.

LeBlanc also set a new school record in the women's long jump, leaping 5.55 metres.

UNB's Jarod Manuel won the men's shot put, with a put of 13.89 metres.

Eric Hughes won the men's 60 metre hurdles in a time of 8.88 seconds.

Ryan Olson won the men's high jump, with a jump of 1.91 metres, and Micah Hesman won the men's pole vault, equalling the current UNB record of 3.70 metres.

In the men's 60 metre sprint, UNB's Adrian Kinney and Braden Harrison finished first and second, crossing the line in unison in a time of 7.18 seconds.

"It was exciting to hold our first meet in the new facility," said Belof. "We've seen a big improvement in performances this season, which is a combination of the work our coaching staff and student-athletes have done, and the Irving Oil Field House. We look forward to hosting more events in the new year, especially the Subway AUS Championships, in February."

Next on the UNB schedule, January's JS Open, in Moncton.

Some of the Reds will compete at the Boston University Opener, on December 7th, in Boston.

RECAP BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics

PHOTOS BY: Brian Comeau